South Korean court on Thursday sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of abuse of power and masterminding an insurrection linked to his 2024 declaration of martial law.
The landmark ruling marks one of the most consequential political trials in South Korea’s modern history, deepening divisions in a country already grappling with political polarization.
In its verdict, the court determined that Yoon’s attempt to impose military-backed martial law on December 3, 2024, amounted to “rebellion,” concluding that the move was aimed at consolidating unchecked executive authority for a considerable period.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, arguing that Yoon’s actions were unconstitutional and illegal. They contended that the emergency martial law declaration undermined the functioning of the National Assembly and the Election Commission, effectively threatening the country’s liberal democratic constitutional order.
Under South Korean law, masterminding an insurrection carries either a life sentence or the death penalty.
Beyond the insurrection charge, the court also addressed allegations that Yoon abused his presidential authority to persecute political opponents. Prosecutors accused him of ordering the detention of opposition figures and deploying security forces to block access to facilities, including the main building of the opposition party.
Yoon, 65, denied all charges throughout the proceedings. He maintained that his declaration of martial law fell within presidential powers and was necessary to prevent what he described as opposition-fueled chaos and threats to public order.
The December 2024 martial law declaration ultimately led to Yoon’s removal from office and triggered a political crisis. Mass protests erupted nationwide, reflecting sharp divisions among the public.
The life sentence closes a dramatic chapter in South Korean politics but is likely to fuel ongoing debate about executive power, constitutional limits, and the resilience of democratic institutions in the country.
